AS YOU LIKE IT

I’m pretty sure William Shakespeare was on drugs when he wrote As You Like It. Actually I’m pretty sure old Shakey was on drugs when he wrote a lot of his plays. But who can blame him? There was no television in the 16th century.  Described by Eamon Flack, director of Belvoir’s current production, as “a wonderful platypus of a play – all odds and ends and unlikelihoods” it is a magical exercise in theatrical mockery; one of the Bard’s less produced works, but certainly still one of his funniest.

Flack’s production is delicious from beginning to end. With a stripped back set  (boasting a few wonderful surprises) and simple, modern costuming, the focus here is on the story and its tellers. And rightly so. Boasting some of the most exciting young actors in Australian theatre, as well as some golden oldies, As You Like It’s ensemble cast delivered one of the tightest and most enjoyable opening nights I have ever seen. Ashley Zukerman makes for a humble and adorable Orlando, despite spending half the play in a most unfortunate pair of jean shorts; and the always-delightful Alison Bell is a treat as Rosalind, bringing a stunning maturity to the somewhat juvenile character.

But the show is stolen – as Big Willy no doubt intended it to be – by a motley crew of supporting players. Trevor Jamieson’s Duke Senior is a grounding presence amidst the chaos, and Hamish Michael makes the most handsome sheep in the history of sheep. Gareth Davies, Charlie Garber and Yael Stone are three of my most favourite actors, bringing quirk, pomp and brilliance to every role they take on; and Bille Brown is…well he’s Bille Brown! But the big surprise here is Australian Idol winner Casey Donovan, who much to my surprise treads a damn fine board.

This is the first Eamon Flack production I have attended, but it certainly won’t be the last.

Until Dec 24, Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills, $39-59, 9699 3444, belvoir.com.au/

BY NADINE COHEN